Philippines Guide
For Travelers, Expats and Pinoys
Film History Comes to Life at LVN Museum, part 3
Small place
With all these great movie memorabilia in exhibit in LVN Museum, one can only marvel how such a small place can hold so many pieces. Bernard Fernandez, the museum curator, reveals that there are still more articles he wants to display but can’t due to lack of space. The need for a larger venue has been his main concern for sometime now. People who have visited the museum–film students, movie buffs, workshoppers and tourists–have expressed hope for a bigger place for such a unique museum. Fernandez says they should act fast, because at the age of 80, he is not getting any younger or stronger!
But in spite of the growing popularity and media coverage the museum has been enjoying, it has yet to be officially recognized by authorities. So far, as Fernandez said, the closest working relationship they have had with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts was when the NCCA borrowed Nida’s costumes for an exhibit.
The museum is also not yet featured in tourism brochures but the coverages of TV shows like “Balitang K,” “Cityline,” “Extra, Extra,” “Knowledge Power” and “Wake-up Call” make better advertisements as these reach more people.
Video documentation
In return for the interviews, Fernandez asked for copies of the tapes for video documentation, which can prove valuable in the future.
To prove the museum’s gradual introduction to mainstream popular culture, Fernandez recalls that a multinational food and beverage company attempted to borrow numerous pieces they planned to exhibit at the Glorietta. He declined when he saw the long list of pieces to be borrowed. He was even more adamant when he learned that the pieces would be out of their home for a year. The obvious care Fernandez devotes to the pieces is understandable, considering that any damage done is irreparable as they are all original and have become priceless in their own right. He also admits that one of his driving forces in maintaining the integrity of the museum is his gratitude to Doña Sisang for taking him as her ward. He reminds me that last Oct. 29, they celebrated the 123rd birth anniversary of the LVN matriarch. Indeed, there can be no other greater gift than to preserve her legacy.
National treasure
It is not difficult to see that the LVN Museum has the potential of becoming a national treasure we could be proud of. As such, it needs the care and help of all concerned Filipinos, if we want it to be carried over to the future.
Subic Bay Personal Blogs
The ‘Most Convenient Camping’ I ever had
I was in my first (1st) year in my secondary education (or high school) when I was able to ‘set foot’ at Olongapo City, particularly in Subic Bay. It was another wonderful experience for me since the place was a bit advance than the usual city settings in the Philippines in terms of design and overall facilities.
Since the Americans left the base, they left high class infrastructures and facilities and it is up to the assigned or appointed chairman of the place how to maximize these state of the art ‘junks’ they left behind as well. Since then, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority or SBMA had become an icon of progress in the Philippines. The place was able to sustain jobs and businesses making it a vital factor in the economic venture for the Philippines.
My First Camping
During our stay in SBMA, we were informed that we would be setting our camps outside the barracks. We were so excited that we would be able to assemble our own individual tents. Nonetheless, our senior scout leaders forgot to remind us something about the tents. Unfortunately, they were not really waterproof. The announcement was quite late and we were already set up. As for plan B, we were asked to occupy the empty barracks. None of us, at first, would like to move a muscle to transfer until Mother Nature forced us to relocate because of the rain. When we entered the barracks, we were in unison saying, ‘parang sa palabas lang o sine lang ito!’ (It is like in the movies or films!) We then raced to hop in and occupy a bed that was bigger than the average bed we have in our homes. The best part of it was the management allowed us to us their air condition units. It was indeed a ‘cool’ camping!
JEST: Jungle Environmental Survival Training
Since we were boy scouts, we hiked our way to the Jungle Environmental Survival Training Camp (or JEST Camp). The name of the place had already explained itself since the camp was meant for jungle survival. The Aetas or indigenous people of the place were the ones teaching the ways of the jungle for survival. They were very accommodating indeed! I would definitely not forget the trainer, a native, who handled and gave us some pointers how to endure the harsh jungle environment or scenario. He was Freddie Friday (as the Americans called him; his real name is Freddie Biernes or Viernes which literally means ‘Friday’). He showed and demonstrated for us how to cook meat without fire by simply clamping or fixing it between your armpits and go on with the usual activity. After two (2) to three (3) hours one can now enjoy ‘burger ala pit’. I was not sure if he was kidding or joking but I believed that one could do anything for survival. We were able to learn the value and versatility of the bamboo and its usage. Practically speaking we were taught to cook and make fire just using bamboo. The best part of it was when Freddie gave us a chance to taste at least a drop or two of water from a stem of a plant that could hold water.
As for me, my experience at Subic had left an impression that improvement and advancement are possible. With the aid of foreign investors and right management of the local government of Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, nothing could hamper this place’s economic growth. Since it has been a landmark for tourists, SBMA continues to maintain and improve its status. My latest visit in the place manifested that things were really getting better.
The Big, Small City of San Juan
Posh subdivision, thriving businesses, top schools—all these have been accomplished in the smallest city in Metro Manila, San Juan. Its land area of 5.94 square kilometers hardly makes up one percent of the region. Though hemmed in by neighboring cities all around so that no further expansion is possible, this “David” of a city manages to squeeze in more progress to face up against many giants of challenges. It is surrounded by giant cities like Manila, Quezon City, and Mandaluyong. Actually, this historical city has been facing giants since its humble beginnings in history.
A mere village or barrio in 1590, this smallest city in the metropolis was put in the limelight when the Katipunan first faced the gargantuan Spanish army in 1896. The first fight venue was here, and so in the Philippine American War in the late1800s and early 1900s. San Juan started getting reputation as a spot where freedom was fought for. Thus, the naming of a bridge “Pinaglabanan Bridge” or “fought for” bridge in his historical city.
San Juan has also raised up four giants in the history of the Philippine presidency. First, Diosdado Macapagal, Sr. (1961), and then Ferdinand Marcos (1965), then Joseph Estrada (1998), and last but not least, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo (2001). They were resident of this smallest city, San Juan, prior to being president. Elpidio Quirino (1948) chose this historical city as his retirement residence. Thus, San Juan, the smallest city in Metro Manila, has been cradling political giants since early times.
Flourishing business establishments and schools are among this city’s pride. Greenhills Shopping Center, Xavier School, Immaculate Concepcion Academy, and Asian Institute of Journalism and Communication are among San Juan’s pride. There are numerous classy townhouses and condo sites, and restaurants like the historic Club Filipino which has been a witness of countless major historic events, most recent of which was the establishment of the revolutionary government of the Aquino Administration in 1986. The historical city of San Juan also boasts of old churches like Pinaglabanan Church and Sanctuario Church which capture golden memories of its past.
This smallest city among giants has bravely initiated and preserved precious components of Philippine heritage for generations. Aside from beating the odds, this historical city of San Juan has even raised up political giants to make this smallest city the big, small city of San Juan. Thus, the people of San Juan themselves have come to be known as a brave people always facing up to any challenge and coming out stronger and better.
The Las Palmas Hotel, Manila, Philippines
Are you a tourist looking for a place to stay in Manila, Philippines? Why not you try the Las Palmas Hotel? Las Palmas Hotel is a three-star hotel where you can stay and relax with quality and style.
The Las Palmas Hotel is easy to find in Malate. It’s about 18 Kilometer from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. Las Palmas Hotel is in the heart of Malate, Manila. The address is 1616 A. Mabini St., Malate Manila.
Las Palmas Hotel was formally opened on July 22, 1975. Since then the Las Palmas Hotel has been committed to give their guests professional high quality service.
The Las Palmas Hotel is a part of Palm Hotels? This ensures that the Las Palmas Hotel is not just out to give high quality service. It has passed the international standard of the hotel business industry.
The Las Palmas Hotel is the most preferred hotel by business travelers and other countless guests and visitors of Manila. This is due to the dedicated service-oriented team members that make up the Las Palmas Hotel staff.
The dedicated staff of the Las Palmas Hotel would always assure that guests receive international-standard quality service. The Las Palmas Hotel will always create a bond of friendship with their guests through their service-oriented team.
The hotel is strategically located in Malate. A lot of convention centers, shopping malls, bars, restaurants, historic landmarks, and other places of interest are really easy to get to from here. Transportation to these locations and back are readily accessible.
The Las Palmas Hotel in Malate is also near the Domestic and International airports. If you’ve just arrived from the airport and need a quick place to stay, then the Las Palmas Hotel is just within easy reach. The proximity of the hotel to the airports will have you relaxing in no time.
89 rooms and suites equipped with state of the art amenities are offered at the Las Palmas Hotel. Each room in the Las Palmas Hotel is well furnished. There would be a bed, an IDD/NDD phone, WiFi Internet Access, cable television, mini-bar, and shower with a bathtub.
If you decided to stay for just a day, you can choose from the Standard Rooms, Superior, Deluxe, Superior Deluxe, and Junior Suite. Room rates would range from $55.00 to $150.00 dollars.
Other facilities at the Las Palmas Hotel include a Colonial Ballroom suitable for seminars and conventions that can accommodate up to 200 guests.
Whether you are in Manila for business or leisure the Las Palmas Hotel is a great place to stay. The service, location, and amenities are really world class.
Legazpi Beach Guide
Whenever we talk about spending time at the beach in the Philippines, one place comes to mind and that’s Boracay. The good news is, Boracay is not the only place that one can go to for a day or two at the beach. In fact, there are less costly alternatives to Boracay and these beaches are found in Legazpi, Philippines.
First up in our Legazpi Beach Guide are the black sand beaches. We have Mayon Volcano to thank for, for these beautiful beaches because the black sand is caused by erosions of volcanic rock from the volcano combined with lava. Black beaches are rare aside from being spectacular and the other famous black sand beach can be found in Hawaii.
Another stop in our beach hunt in this Legazpi Beach Guide is Santo Domingo which is a 6 mile away place from Legazpi where one can enjoy the scenic Albay Gulf and several beaches. The view in these beaches in Santo Domingo is spectacular at night especially with a full moon and a clear, cloudless sky dotted with stars. From the shore, one can see the glimmer of city lights which is a perfect match to the moon and stars. Santo Domingo also has several resorts fronting the beach side.
Then of course there’s the Boracay Beach found in Legazpi and is included in this Legazpi Beach Guide. Boracay Beach in the Philippines is found in two spots and the one that is being discussed here is half an hour away from Legazpi. The black sand in this part of the Philippines is mingled with volcanic rock and there are several resorts where one can stay to maximize one’s experience.
We will also include in this Legazpi Beach Guide the beaches that are found in Tiwi, which is a good 40 kilometers away from the city of Legazpi. The best place to go swimming in the Philippines is near the Joroan Shore because one not only gets to enjoy the great view of Lagonoy Gulf but there are also several small islands that can be visited near Camarines Sur.
Since we’re talking about Boracay town in Legazpi in this Legazpi Beach Guide, let’s move on to Sogoy Beach which is also in the same area. Sogod Beach Philippines enjoys the most number of visitors especially during summer because of the presence of palm trees among ebony sand that provide shade during the intense summer heat. Indeed the Legazpi Beach Guide would be incomplete without this.
Makati Sightseeing Guide
Makati City is not just the heart of business and finance in the Philippines; it is also the home of some of the finest hotspots and entertainment centers in the country.
Makati sightseeing guide: religious centers
Some of the finest sights in the city are the churches and cathedrals. Among them are the Guadalupe Ruins, which was constructed in the early 1600s by the Spaniards. A contemporary of this church is the Saint Peter Church, whose main attraction is the papal tiara, symbolizing the Pope and Saint Peter himself.
Another popular religious shrine is the Sri Sri Radha Madhava which advocates the practice of yoga and meditation to attain peace of mind and wellness. It is situated in San Antonio Village and like the aforementioned churches, is very popular among local and foreign tourists.
Makati sightseeing guide: cultural sites
For those that want to experience a bit of culture, there are several places you can visit. The Ayala Museum is the repository of a vast collection of historical relics and collections from various epochs in Philippine history. The Museo ng Makati, meanwhile, is the home of artifacts and antiques that are a testament to the glorious past history of the city.
The Thomas Jefferson Cultural Center on the other hand, is the site to go to be updated on events concerning the relationship of the Philippines and the US. Since its establishment in 1945 it has also functioned as a stage for artists, local and foreign, to showcase their wares.
Makati sightseeing guide: art galleries
There are numerous art centers and exhibits that the artistically inclined can turn to. There is the Alliance Francaise Art Gallery off Gil Puyat Avenue, where the finest Filipino artists of today unveil their works of art; the Galeria Jupiter, on the other hand, features select Oriental artworks and also a varied mixture of Chinese antiques.
The Osmundo Gallery focuses mainly on the many artworks and handicraft of Filipino tribes, while the Luz Gallery concentrates its efforts on the antique works of various local artists.
Makati sightseeing guide: shopping centers
No Makati sightseeing guide will be complete without a rundown of the various malls and entertainment centers you can visit. At Ayala Center you will find an assortment of hotels, restaurants, movie houses, cultural centers and offices all around.
The main shopping malls there are Glorietta and Greenbelt. Both of these complexes host the best shopping centers in the country including SM, Landmark, Rustan’s and many more. Another popular shopping destination is Rockwell Center, which aside from the various malls and restaurants, is also known for its high rise condominium units and edifices.
What this Makati sighseeing guide has presented are just some of the places you can check out in the city. As you traverse its well maintained streets doubtless you will find more sights and sounds that will make your visit enjoyable.
Puerto Galera Travel Agents
Dream Vacation
If summer getaway means being in a lovely and captivating white sand beach and party all night long ambiance without the hassle of long travel and heavy luggage. Then, the place called Puerto Galera is definitely the best place to consider.
Definition of Puerto Galera
Puerto Galera is a comforting image of gleaming and glistening aquatic place bounded by blossoming terrains and mountains. It is regarded as one of the most attractive, beautiful and developed beach resort district or community in the Philippines.
Puerto Galera’s charm started as ‘backyard tourism’ wherein native and locals accepted foreign and city dwellers (from Metro Manila areas) as stay-in tourists. From then on, tourism had blossomed and had taken a radical level. Throughout the place’s development and progress, various restaurants, inns, resorts and hotels have thrived within the vicinity.
Upon the arrival of guests, visitors or tourists, they will board customized motor boats (or bancas) on their way to several resorts or accommodations around the area. As soon as tourists, guests or visitors set foot in Puerto Galera, fun begins! There are a lot of things a tourist could do in Puerto Galera. Activities such a stargazing, watching the sunset, beach-hopping, play some beach volleyball, chatting and bonding with friends around a bonfire and pitching tents could be done in Puerto Galera.
Never the less, Puerto Galera’s main asset is still its crystal clear water and its white sand coast or shoreline. For this reason, aquatic activities, other than swimming, like diving and snorkeling are very popular among tourists and visitors in Puerto Galera. The place is perfect for family gatherings, team buildings, and also for individual relaxation and unwinding.
Maximizing Vacation Break
For the past years, Puerto Galera has been one of the favorite getaways, especially for call center agents, because of its proximity to Metro Manila area. This means, just a little preparation and some arrangements should be considered going to Puerto Galera. One of the travel agencies that promotes and provides vacation packages in Puerto Galera is ActiVentures Dive, Golf and Adventure Tours.
The travel agency’s forte or specialty is setting up or arranging diving itinerary in Puerto Galera. ActiVentures Dive, Golf and Adventure Tours travel agency offers a complete package for tourist from accommodations to all related travel itineraries within Puerto Galera.
Getting relaxed in a white sand beach or ambiance does not always mean taking a long journey. There is always an alternative. However, considering the beauty and wonders of Puerto Galera, it should definitely be the first option to take.
Healing Spree at Hidden Valley
For energy-drained city people stressed out by work pressures; or those with muscle and back aches looking for the ultimate relief treatment; or just plain daring tourists seeking what more wonders nature can show — The Hidden Valley Springs in Alaminos, Laguna, Philippines promises an end to the search.
Found in the backwoods and secluded forests between magical mountains of Banahaw and Makiling is Hidden Valley Springs nestled at the foot of the gargantuan mountains; a unique tourist spot that has lured crowds of excursionists.
This tourist spot is an enchanting 110 acres of unspoiled tree forest and rare shrubberies, palms, and ferns interspersed with dazzling natural waterfalls and pristine pools. These are nature-dug water forms through cataclysmic upheavals centuries ago, resulting in hundreds of water puddles of different temperature. As a result, the waters bubbling up come from beneath the earth and rises as natural hot springs.
The natural hot spring waters are said to soothe body aches and relieve stress pains in muscles. Ingested, the pure water from hot springs possesses minerals for body rejuvenation and energy recharge. Splashed on the body or used as a soak-in potion, Hidden Valley Spring water is said to be therapeutic. Many claim the hot spring water can fix a quick remedy for body pains.
Hidden Valley Springs in Laguna is a mere 75 kilometer land trek from Makati (or 2 hours travel). Taking the SLEX or South Luzon Expressway towards the exit to Batangas, proceed to Alaminos, Laguna until the Alaminos Church is in sight. From there directions will lead the traveler to the enigmatic tourist spot.
Hidden Valley Springs boasts of more than 150 plant species most of which are found nowhere else. These are rare or endangered types. Most of them are herbal or medicinal that locals claim work wonders with lots of ailments. The inference is that the healing natural hot spring waters of Hidden Valley Springs have somehow influenced the wild undergrowth—or is it the other way around? But the popular conclusion is that the blend of natural hot spring water and natural herbs has created a synergism that manifests in a calming and healing phenomenon.
Hidden Valley Springs is one of nature’s secret veiled by protective mountains that only daring tourists can discover. It is a tourist spot of numerous hot spring water pools burst by Mother Nature herself to ease all ills, even those of stressful wearied lives of city workers.
Sorsogon Shopping
Because Sorsogon is has a wide agricultural area and long shorelines, its products are a combination of those coming from the farms and those come from the sea. Thus, the province provides many options for people of different tastes and lifestyles.
Pili Nut
The pili nut is one of the most popular products of the Bicol region. Almost every province and municipality in the region has their way of preparing food products from this nut. The most common pili preparations are the sugarcoated pili nuts and the pili candies. You will also find pili tarts that are being sold in near Sorsogon tourist spots.
Rice
Rice is a staple food in the Philippines and many of the agricultural areas in the country cultivate rice to support the demands of the population. During your travel to Sorsogon, you are likely to find that many of the inland areas are utilized as farms for rice and crops. You will find palays being dried near the roads.
Food Products from Coconuts
Coconuts are also abundant agricultural products in Sorsogon. It is known to most people that there are many products that may be processed from the coconut tree. The fruit may be eaten fresh and the juice may be served as refreshments. The stem may be processed into coco lumber that is used for furniture and houses. The leaves may be used as broomsticks. Some handicrafts may also be made from coconut products.
Before you leave Sorsogon, one of the coconut products that you must try is the wine made from the juice of the fruit. It has a unique character that you will want to take home some bottles so that your friends can also try it.
Seafoods
Because the province of Sorsogon is bordered waters, the province is also rich in seafood products that are cooked the traditional way. Local fishes, mud crabs, blue crabs and prawns are usually cooked in gata (coconut milk) and spiced with the local sili (pepper).
Upon knowing what the local products of Sorsogon are, it is hard to resist not being able to try them or to take some home with you. The best way to find a selection of quality Sorsogon products is to come to local public market. There, the products are less expensive than if you purchase them near the tourist destinations, bus stops and ports. If you intend to buy quantities of products, don’t forget to try asking for a discount.
Makati Restaurant Guide
Choosing a good restaurant in Makati is easy. To make it even much easier and more convenient, here is a Makati restaurant guide for diners with only a few hours to plan ahead for dining out.
For starters, dining cost can be estimated well if placed at Php 300 per person for expensive restaurants. If the budget can afford something higher, then well and good. But this Makati restaurant guide advices a budget not lower than Php 300 for a very quality dinner in a classy restaurant.
Many classy restaurants are found along Jupiter Street parallel to Gil Puyat Avenue, through the stretch of Jupiter Street also has some affordable restaurants that offer around Php 150 per person menus, and even something slightly less. These are often full-packed on weekends, so a Makati restaurant guide tip to remember is to reserve in advance, especially when eating out in groups.
The Ayala Center is another area in Makati where posh restaurants are located. Many of them are on several levels of Glorietta which provides an excellent setting for several more night-life activities before or after a good dinner. Aside from shopping, there are trade shows to see or movies to watch—this aside from being worry-free about ample car parking. So this Makati restaurant guide suggests that a thorough scouting around Glorietta for the right stylish restaurant to spend a date in be done pronto!
Of course, there is also the Greenbelt area—another Makati haven for fine dining and quality dinner menus and ambiance. The place looks super at daytime but nothing can probably compare to it when evening comes. Just one look at Greenbelt at night and people can expect what’s waiting on the dinner table in any restaurant in the area they’d choose. This Makati restaurant guide suggests trying out world-class restaurants in the vicinity.
Makati restaurants that serve buffet dinners are quite famous for their excellent cuisine options. And be ready with a budget around Php 300 to Php 400 per person. Most of them don’t charge for service, but just prepare for the value added tax. And buffet dinners in Makati restaurants are always proceeded with excellent loaded desserts so that this Makati restaurant guide advices on taking as low sugar intakes as possible during the day to make ample room for dessert after supper at these restaurants.
For really enjoyable dinners worth the expense, always opt for Makati restaurants. Seek them out in the places aforementioned in this Makati restaurant guide, now!